THE SEASON OF ADVENT
The new liturgical year begins with the season of Advent. Advent is a season marked by the anticipation and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas.
For a wonderful brief introduction to this season, we recommend you order a copy of Advent: The Season of Hope.
You can pick up a copy of our Advent Guide and Advent Devotional at our Welcome Table on Sundays.
Commonly asked Questions
What does Advent mean?
The word Advent comes from the Latin “adventus” meaning “a coming, approach, arrival” and signifies the start of an event or the arrival of a person. In Christian communities around the world, Advent is a time to reflect on the unexpected nature of Jesus’ humble birth, His gracious work in our lives now, and in the anticipation of when he will come again to reunite Heaven and Earth once and for all.
When does Advent start and end this year?
Advent starts on Sunday, November 30, 2025 and ends on Christmas.
Where does Advent fall in the Church year?
Advent is the beginning of a new liturgical year. For those of us that follow the three year lectionary, this Advent season marks the start of Year A.
Introduction to the Church Year
The Church Year helps us live our lives in Christ as we walk through the various seasons following Christ.
Advent - Anticipating the coming Christ.
Christmas - Celebrating God coming in the flesh.
Epiphany - Celebrating Christ as Savior of the World.
Lent - Preparing for Holy Week.
Holy Week - The culmination of Christ’s ministry in His death and resurrection.
Pentecost - The coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Church.
An Invitation to Enter Advent
Here are some ways of how you might intentionally enter into this Advent season.
Worship:
Participate in the Sunday morning Advent service all four Sundays of Advent.
Christmas Eve Service
Christmas Day Service
Community:
St. Nicholas Party
St. Lucia / Food Bank Service Project
Parent Day Out
Ladies Tea
Las Posadas
Personal/Family:
Read a daily Advent devotional (Counting down to Christmas or Jesse Tree devotionals provided)
Use an Advent Wreath (a new candle is lit each week).
Use an Advent Calendar (marks each day).
Mission Pilgrimage
Mission Pilgrimage
Throughout Advent
Make a pilgrimage along El Camino de San Antonio Missions where you are invited to engage in silence, prayer, and meditation. Pilgrimage Guide will be provided at Trinity.
When should I do this?
There will be no one set day or time for you to complete this, rather, it can be completed any day of the week throughout Advent.
How long will it take?
The length will depend on whether your walk it or bike it, and also how long you stay at each mission.
You are invited to set aside a minimum half day, or better yet, a full day for it. Even with a full day you likely will not be able to complete all the stops.
Who do I do it with?
You can complete it by yourself (the most peaceful), do it with your family (this makes it more a hike if you have kids), or invite a few friends or Table Group members to join you.
What to bring:
Pilgrimage Guide, backpack, snacks, water bottle, small Bible, journal, pens, sunglasses, hat, walking shoes.
Las Posadas
Wednesday, December 18th at 6:00pm
Las Posadas literally means “the inns” and is a festival where the participants re-enact Mary and Joseph trying to find lodging at numerous inns. Everyone will start together in one location, then walk to different stops (inns) where they sing a song (led by a mariachi band) seeking a place to stay. There will be a few people at each stop (inn keepers) who turn the group away with a response song. At the final stop, everyone is invited in and the festivities begin.
All are welcome to stay after the procession for a cup of Mexican hot chocolate and buñuelos, while the kids take a swing at a piñata. Everything will be held outdoors.
The program can be viewed here.
When: Wednesday, December 17th at 6:00pm. The procession will last from 6-6:30, with hot chocolate and piñata to follow.
Where: Soccer field at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 1416 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX 78232
Christmas Caroling
Friday, December 20th at 6:30pm
A unique way to share the joy of the birth of Jesus is to join friends in caroling in a nursing home or in your neighborhood. You may not consider yourselves a great singer, but be sure you will bless those you sing Christmas carols too!
All are invited to join us as we go neighborhood caroling and gather for hot drinks afterwards!
✨ When: 6:30pm
✨ Where: The Kraemer Home, 2007 Chittim Trail Dr.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Tuesday, December 24th at 3:30pm
Join us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ in singing Christmas songs, hearing the story of Christ’s birth, and having a traditional candlelight.
When: 3:30-5:00pm
Where: Woehler Family Center (located behind St. Thomas Episcopal Church), 1416 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX 78232
Christmas Day Divine Service
Wednesday, December 25th @ 9:30am
Join us at 9:30am as we gather to continue the celebration of the Word of God taking on flesh in the incarnation. Bring a treat to share beforehand.